M3AN

Epic.

PALMERSTON NORTH TO AUCKLAND CBD AND WHARF Standard $333.01 nett $49.95 gst $382.96 Total http://www.jeffs.co.nz/

If they're not available locally the get some from America, I think they all had them.

I think Dion has to buy it now and convert it to manual. Seems deserving of the treatment. Doesn't look like stock suspension Chris? And check the brake description in your auction, you mean calipers right?

Of course it's not my decision but once you'd chucked a manual in it there's not much to dislike. I love the colour too. Looks straight and the subtle mods are sweet. However it works out with Dion GLWS and I also hope it goes to a good home, it deserves it.

Send Dion (Rubix) a PM, start the discussion. Props, it looks sweet.

Calling Dion... Trip to Palmy might be in order? $150 for a return flight...

That's awesome Craig. If you have the time and inclination perhaps you could start a Mini thread in the 'Other European Cars' section of this site? I'm pretty damn sure there's a lot of people around here that would love to see and hear more about it. Very, very fine effort I must say.

I've not seen it around here but it wouldn't surprise me, it's very well presented and very tasteful.

But seriously now, this one (which I'm sure you've seen) doesn't look too bad and has awesome options (electric rear vent windows! ). Respray too. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1184807664.htm Yes, it's an auto and out of Auckland but for your budget you get a ticket to Palmy and a manual transplant... might end up being okay?

This one looks mint, maybe negotiate on price? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1187129173.htm (sorry, had to be done)

^ Also need more pics and details of the Mini please!

Replaced a steering rack boot, one step closer to a warrant. Exciting!

Time, money and blow. Works for me.

So I failed a warrant today (expected) and one of the things they mentioned was the LCA bushing on the left side was screwed. I'll take a look on the weekend to assess for myself but in case I do need to replace, should I be using '96+ M3 LCA bushings (stronger)? Apparently 3.0 M3 bushings improve castor (they're eccentric), should I consider them at all?

$40 eBay lip!

Well, if somebody needs one they'll pay top dollar. And I think a single VANOS unit (2 solenoids) is worth $600 to somebody in that position. If somebody wants a spare for the shelf then perhaps $350 to $400. Double all those numbers (IMHO) for a dual VANOS unit.

Now you're drawing a really long bow Glenn. I just reread the thread because my perception was different to yours and it remains different. Dane hasn't followed any amateur advice in this thread, everything he's done he was doing anyway. All the amateurs have done is speculate on oil types and grades, Dane was going to overhaul the VANOS irrespective of this thread. Nor has he jumped aboard with your advice as if it were gospel and I have no opinion on that either way. I'm not convinced you can diagnose a grinding noise without visually inspecting, which is what he did and in doing so he found what's making the noise. So all up, that was effort well spent. What caused the wear remains a matter for speculation and I suspect that is where your expertise can best contribute. I think you're doing Dane a disservice by assuming he was blindly following the advice of amateurs, he did post this very early on. I see a connection to a recent thread of yours Glenn about your disillusionment with this site but I really don't see this thread as an example (as much of a train wreck it has become). Don't be disheartened Glenn, your opinions still shine through the mess of amateur conjecture that will always make up the bulk of any open internet forum. And many of us notice your professional opinions.

I don't actually think he's done anything as a direct result of this thread Glenn so I fear you've reached the wrong conclusion on that part. I suspect it's because he's smarter enough to realise, well, internet. I do however agree that much of the advice in this thread is irrelevant to his problem. Although to your last point, I said the same thing earlier on.

Seems like that white one would have been perfect? Good luck with your search, if I spot anything I'll shout out.

Looks like more than HDR to me but I'm certainly no expert! Selfies are all the rage too apparently, hate them also.

Agreed stunning. I reckon it would look even better without the filter they used for some of the shots.

^ that's exactly what I saw too. Surprised the right one survived! Or perhaps it's a one-at-a-time message?

s.m.h.

Okay, it's well known I don't agree with everything Ron says but to recommend a semi-synthetic oil for the S50 is beyond barmy! I'm stunned. Do NOT use that Magnatec oil Dane, use fully synthetic oil (Edge is Castrol's brand for this in NZ and elsewhere). I'm not going to debate that in this thread either, read the rest of the internet to work out why a mineral based oil is stupid. http://www.castrol.com/en_nz/new-zealand/car-engine-oil/engine-oil-types.html Any reputable synthetic oil from 0w-30 to 10w-60 will work just fine in these engines, something somewhere in between those extremes would be preferable. Edit: I've used Edge 10w-60 and 5w-40 and prefer the 5w-40 which is what I use currently.